Summer House needs restoration

[Mark Hancock]

I've been asked by an old friend about a summer house that needs some restoration. The details are copied below. Anyone help in the Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire area?

"My sister Pam spoke to you about my mother's summer house and I attach 4 photos. There are a couple of close-ups of the base of the structure where the wood is rotten. About 35 years ago it was restored and the wood at the base was replaced but it has now rotted. The guy who did it was a builder and carpenter (long since dead, sadly). He did it over a period of about 2 years, during the summer months as and when time permitted. He found some foundations and shored them up. It was also leaning and he managed to straighten it by 9 inches using a winch which he gradually turned over a period of months. Fortunately it has remained upright and hasn't started leaning again.

If you can suggest anyone who would be able to restore the base wood, we would greatly appreciate it."

 

[Harbo]

Sorry cannot help but really the wood should be lifted off the ground on a brick/stone ring beam?

Rod

 

[Bluekingfisher]

It looks as though a substantial refurb is required. From the pictures you have supplied the damage is quite extensive and not just a weekend repair job my friend.

Are you contemplating doing the work yourself or are you asking another to undertake the work?

You may have to introduce some form of rig to take the strain of the structure, or at least the part you are working on. The simplest and most economical method I can think of is incorporating Acro props with scaffolding boards to take the weight of the structure. The materials used in the structure construction can be found at most timber yards or even garden centres so that is not the issue. The difficulty is supporting the structure, which looks fragile, while removing and replacing the rotten parts.

The family friend of yesteryear was undoubtedly of the old school mentality where undertaking the work would have been conducted during visits during his other daily jobs. However, trying to find someone now (other than an enthusiast) may be more of a challenge for you.

I hope you find someone to assist.

Good luck

David

 

[Mark Hancock]

David

My speciality is turning so no I'm not thinking of doing the work myself but just trying to get some advice as to who would be best to do it, builder, chippy etc. It would be great if a forum member was interested in the work and I can pass on the contact details.

 

[RobinBHM]

Whoever does it can probably leave their spirit level at home!

Is the address Hogwarts?

 

[Alex_E]

Looks like a cracking project to me! I'm very local to Shipston so if you want me to take a look pm me? I love weird and wonderful projects! And the lads that work for me really enjoy it when I turn up with an interesting project! Alex

 

[Mark Hancock]

Looks like a cracking project to me! I'm very local to Shipston so if you want me to take a look pm me? I love weird and wonderful projects! And the lads that work for me really enjoy it when I turn up with an interesting project! Alex

Great. I was beginning to regret offering to help find someone I'll pm you the contact details and let the family know.

Cheers
Mark

 

[RobinBHM]

Hi Alex,

If you get the job, hopefully you will be posting some site shots!